United Nations Strives for Global Goals Amidst Lagging Progress

The commitments made by world leaders in 2015 were undeniably ambitious in scope. Among them were the lofty objectives of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, ensuring every child around the globe receives a quality secondary education, attaining gender equality, making substantial strides in combating climate change, and achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Remarkably, the aim was to accomplish all of this by the year 2030.

However, as we find ourselves halfway to this pivotal deadline, it is disheartening to observe that progress is faltering and, in some instances, regressing.

Commencing on Monday, a two-day summit will convene, with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the helm, endeavoring to reinvigorate efforts towards achieving the 17 goals set forth by world leaders. These goals are particularly vital for developing nations, as they represent a crucial avenue to narrow the ever-widening chasm between the world’s affluent and impoverished countries.

Guterres aptly characterizes these goals as a means of addressing historical injustices, fostering reconciliation, and steering our world toward enduring peace.

The political declaration, encompassing ten pages, to be embraced by world leaders at the summit’s outset, aptly acknowledges that the goals are now in jeopardy. It voices concern that progress is either moving at an insufficient pace or retrogressing to pre-2015 levels. Throughout the declaration, the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is reiterated over a dozen times in various formulations, underscoring their individual significance.

The pressing question that looms before us is: How can these goals be realized within the next seven years?

Regrettably, while leaders have committed to accelerating their efforts, the declaration itself lacks specificity.

During the commencement of the “SDG Action Weekend” on Saturday, Guterres apprised activists of the disheartening revelations from a U.N. report released in July. This report grimly revealed that only 15% of approximately 140 specific targets aimed at achieving the 17 goals are currently on track. In fact, many of these targets are moving in the opposite direction.

If current trends persist, the report forecasts that 575 million people will continue to endure extreme poverty, and 84 million children will be deprived of an elementary education by 2030. Astonishingly, it would take a staggering 286 years to achieve gender equality.

Guterres aptly calls for a global rescue plan for the SDGs, characterizing the summit as the opportune moment for governments to present concrete plans and proposals for hastening progress.

Crucially, it is not solely the responsibility of governments; Guterres implores activists, the business community, scientists, academics, innovators, women, and young people to actively engage in the pursuit of these goals.

U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, echoing the sentiments of the Secretary-General, acknowledged that progress toward the SDGs appears daunting. Nonetheless, she affirmed that the United States remains committed to partnering in this endeavor. Drawing upon her 39 years of experience as an educator, she urged leaders from every nation to invest in children, recognizing their pivotal role in building a more peaceful and stable world.

Guterres identifies the proposal of an “SDG stimulus” as the most pivotal initiative to salvage the overarching plan. This stimulus seeks to counteract the challenging market conditions faced by developing countries and encompasses immediate action in three key areas:

1. Addressing the escalating cost of debt and the mounting risks of debt distress.
2. Significantly amplifying affordable long-term financing for development, particularly through public and multilateral banks.
3. Expanding contingency financing to support countries in need.

A U.N. report from February underscores the dire impact of debt on the economies of numerous developing nations. It revealed that, as of November, 37 of the world’s poorest countries were either at high risk or already experiencing debt distress. Additionally, one in four middle-income countries, which house the majority of the world’s impoverished, faced a high risk of fiscal crisis.

While there are glimmers of hope, including the endorsement of the SDG Stimulus by the G20, the future remains uncertain. The political declaration outlines intentions to pursue the stimulus plan, but whether these commitments and the momentum generated during this consequential week at the United Nations will translate into tangible progress remains an open question.

Edith M. Lederer, Chief U.N. Correspondent for The Big Big News, brings her extensive experience of more than 50 years in covering international affairs to illuminate the pressing challenges before us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UN Sustainable Development Goals

More about UN Sustainable Development Goals

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Information about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.
• U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres – Official page for Antonio Guterres, the U.N. Secretary-General mentioned in the text.
• The Big Big News – The publication for which Edith M. Lederer serves as Chief U.N. Correspondent, though specific articles may not be available.
• UNICEF – The U.N. children’s agency, UNICEF, which organized a reception mentioned in the text.
• G20 – The official website of the Group of Twenty (G20), an international forum that discussed the SDG Stimulus.